Making Ears out of Candy!

On December 13, 2023, students from across School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap) who are deaf or hard of hearing engaged in a ‘tasty’ learning experience at the District Education Support Centre.

Ms. Kristina Baker, SD83 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher, shared the importance of bringing the students together. “One of the ways to empower the students is the coming together with like peers,” she explained. After learning about different parts of the ear and their functions, the students made their own ears out of candy. Using icing as their glue, they crafted their candy ears from a variety of candies, attaching each piece to wax paper. The students had the opportunity to choose their preferred candies and then they were asked to present their choices and explain each part of their candy ear.”

Ms. Baker expressed that she loves overhearing amusing conversations among the students. She said, “This session was particularly funny when one student asked another student “My cochlea is made out of a peppermint, what is yours made out of?” She proudly shared, “One student even added candy ear wax to her design.”

Ms. Baker had given one rule to the students. She explained, “Students were asked not to eat their candy until they explained their learning to a caregiver at home.”

After the candy ear was built, the group enjoyed lunch together and then they crafted a giant snowflake out of paper bags, led by the Provincial Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Family Navigator.

“It was a sweet ending to a great day of learning!” remarked Ms. Baker as she summarized the success and enjoyment of the day.